Letter: It's time to raise Illinois' minimum wage

This October, Governor Pat Quinn renewed his support for raising the minimum wage from $8.25 to $10 stating “No one in Illinois should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty.” Even working full time, the current minimum wage is not enough and keeps hard working Illinois families below the federal poverty line.

This October, Governor Pat Quinn renewed his support for raising the minimum wage from $8.25 to $10 stating "No one in Illinois should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty." Even working full time, the current minimum wage is not enough and keeps hard working Illinois families below the federal poverty line.

While corporations make record profits, Illinois families must make difficult economic decisions. Raising the minimum would move thousands of Illinois families out of poverty and they would earn thousands of dollars more each year. This money will help families, stimulate local economies, and relieve pressure from social services. Raising the minimum wage is necessary for our state to progress and will better our citizens' livelihoods. These families are working 40 hour weeks and still can't make do. Is that fair?

It is wrong for Illinois families to suffer unnecessarily. Governor Quinn and state legislators must be pressured to pass wage reforms that will raise the minimum wage to at least $10. Elections are in a year and both sides are ready to please their voters. The time for pressure is now! Contact your state senator, representative, and Governor Quinn and tell them to act.